PODCAST · business
The Better Conversations Podcast
by Kara List
Welcome to The Better Conversations Podcast, where each week I help you unlock the people side of scaling a business.— the conversations, culture, and leadership skills founders need to build teams that thrive with them and while they are on vacation. I’m Kara List, your host and fellow founder, let’s get into it!
Episodes
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Why Founders Need To Be Good At Small Talk (and how to get better!) | #98
The trust you need for hard conversations, honest feedback, ownership, and connection doesn't magically appear when you need it. It's built through hundreds of small moments where your team gets to experience you — and you get to know them. In this episode, I’m breaking down why small talk…
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What To Do When Someone On Your Team Isn't Working | #97
Stop struggling with difficult conversations with your team. Learn why you hesitate and how to fix it effectively.If someone on your team isn't working the way you need them to, your first instinct might be: Is it time to let them go?But before you fire someone, there are a few questions you need...
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What Ted Lasso Gets Right About Leadership (For Founders) | #96
FREE BETTER CONVERSATIONS FOUNDER'S TOOLKIT: https://www.heykaralist.com/toolkitIn this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, I’m pulling five leadership lessons from Ted Lasso that every founder can use when making the shift from building the business to actually leading the team.Because...
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Solo Entrepreneur Turned Leader? Here's How To Lead Them...| #95
Schedule A Free Call With Kara Today: https://forms.gle/vAD3t3phbgFdKxuD9 Download the Free Toolkit: https://www.heykaralist.com/toolkitYou built the business. You hired the team. You figured out the roles, onboarding, and systems.But then… how do you actually lead the people?In this episode of…
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The 4 Reasons Building a Team Feels Harder Than Building Your Business (And What To Do!) | #94
You built a successful business so you could have more freedom… not so you could spend your days answering questions, approving decisions, and being the person everyone needs before anything can move forward.If you’re a founder who has hired a team but still feels like the business depends on you...
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If I Were Dealing With Difficult Personalities On My Team...I'd Do THIS! | #93
Do you have a team member who does great work but is exhausting to manage? Before you decide they're the wrong fit, ask: is this a personality problem, or an expectations problem? In this episode I share the framework I use with coaching clients to tell the difference, so you can lead different...
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3 Things Most Founders Get Wrong With Underperforming Team Members (and what i'd fix) | #93
In this episode, I'm breaking down the three mistakes I see founders make with their teams over and over — and the exact shifts that fix them. We'll talk about why "done" and "good" are not the same thing (and why your team can't read your mind), why building roles around tasks instead of…
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How To De-Escalate Confrontations At Work (Without Caving) | #91
Ever pulled into the parking lot and scanned for someone's car, secretly hoping they weren't there today? This one's for you. In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly how to de-escalate a confrontation at work without caving to demands or losing yourself in the process. You'll learn why...
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How She Scaled A Family Business Into A National Brand | #90
Marilee Johnson started Bend Soap Company on a farm in Bend, Oregon with a few goats and a mission to help her son's eczema. Today it is a national natural skincare brand. In this episode she shares what it actually took to scale a family business, the mindset shifts, the hard lessons, and why...
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Most Leaders Can't Answer These 6 Questions About Their Team | #89
Most leaders think they have a pulse on their team. But surface-level check-ins and "how's everyone doing?" questions rarely tell you what's really going on. If you're noticing quiet disengagement, low morale, or a team that seems hesitant to speak up, it's not a people problem. It's a...
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Hard Conversations With Difficult Employees (And Why You Keep Avoiding Them) | #88
If you have an employee who shuts down, pushes back, or just never seems to respond to feedback the way you hope, this episode is for you. Before you can have the conversation, you have to understand why you keep avoiding it. And the answer might surprise you. Most of the time it isn't about them...
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How To Make Faster and More Confident Decisions | #87
Most leaders aren’t struggling to make decisions because they’re incapable. They’re struggling because they treat every decision like a tattoo. Permanent. High stakes. Impossible to undo. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing the simple framework that has completely changed how I think about...
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Your Feedback Isn't Working...Here's Why! |#86
Your feedback isn’t working… and it might not be for the reason you think. 👀 In this episode, I’m breaking down the 4 biggest feedback mistakes leaders make that keep hard conversations from actually creating change.We’re talking about:✨ Why “my door is always open” is NOT a feedback culture✨…
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3 Things to Do When You’re Struggling to Lead Your First Team | #85
If you are a female founder who is hiring your first team and feel suddenly overwhelmed, unqualified, or like you made a mistake, you’re not alone. Most founders don’t struggle because they’re bad leaders, they struggle because they were never taught how to go from doing the work to leading the...
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How to Know Who to Hire Next (Before You Make an Expensive Mistake) | #84
Friend, if you've ever hired someone and thought "this isn't quite right" a few weeks in — this episode is for you. Hiring the wrong person isn't just frustrating. It's expensive. And more often than not, it's not actually a hiring problem. It's a clarity problem. In this episode, I'm walking you...
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Why Your Team Isn’t Taking Ownership (And What to Do About It) | #83
If you’re a founder or leader feeling like everything still runs through you, this episode breaks down the real reason your team isn’t stepping up—and how to fix it without hiring better people or adding more systems.You’ll learn why over-involvement creates dependency, how unclear expectations...
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Handling Sensitive Employees Without Losing Your Mind | #82
There is nothing more exhausting than feeling like you have to walk on eggshells with someone on your team.You’re trying to give direction… give feedback… help them grow… and somehow it still feels like everything you say might land wrong.So how do you actually lead well—without overthinking…
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The Biggest One-on-One Meeting Mistake Leaders Make | #81
1:1 meetings aren’t working? Stop asking “what are you working on” and transform your one-on-one meetings into powerful coaching conversations that build confident, high-performing employees.If your one on one meetings feel like status updates, this video will show you how to turn them into...
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Don’t Make THIS Mistake With a “Lazy” Employee | #80
If you're dealing with underperforming employees (especially the ones you might feel are lazy employees), it's easy to fall into a common leadership trap. In this episode, we discuss the way to address the behavior you are observing in a way that actually helps the situation instead of making it...
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Why Great Leaders Say “I Was Wrong” | #79
In this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, leadership coach Kara List talks about one of the hardest things for leaders to say: “I was wrong.”Many leaders believe admitting mistakes will weaken their authority or credibility. But in reality, the opposite is true.When leaders own…
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The Real Reason You Can’t Take a Vacation (It’s Not Your Team) | #78
Struggling to take a vacation as a leader? Feeling leadership burnout, over-involved, and like everything runs through you? In this episode, I unpack the leadership belief keeping you stuck—and how empowering your team can finally help you unplug without everything falling apart.If you feel...
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How to Receive Feedback Without Getting Defensive | #77
How to receive feedback without getting defensive, spiraling, or shutting down — especially as a leader. If you want a strong feedback culture, better workplace communication, and emotionally intelligent leadership, this episode is for you. In this episode, I cover: • Why receiving feedback is...
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Don't Be A Leader WITHOUT These 5 Communication Skills! | #76
Leadership communication skills can make or break trust on your team. In this video, you’ll learn five practical communication skills for leaders who want to stop people pleasing, handle feedback, and lead with clarity and confidence.I share real stories from coaching leaders, simple mindset...
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5 Things to Delete From Your Leadership in 2026 | #75
Leadership in 2026 doesn’t need more tools — it needs less. In this episode, I walk through 5 things leaders must delete in 2026 to reduce burnout, improve communication, and build healthier workplace cultures. If you’re exhausted from people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, giving all the answers…
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3 Leadership Conversations to Have in January (That Prevent Burnout & Conflict All Year) | #74
Leadership conversations in January can prevent burnout, conflict, and hard conversations later in the year. In this video, I break down the 3 leadership conversations every manager should have before setting goals or casting vision. Full description (you can paste below): Most of the hard...
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Vision vs. Management: How Great Leaders Do Both Without Burning Out | #73
Visionary leadership and day-to-day management don’t have to compete. In this episode, leadership coach Kara List shares how to balance strategy and management without burnout, micromanagement, or living in the weeds.You didn’t sign up for leadership just to manage emails, conflicts, and constant...
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How Leaders Handle Constant Demands Without Losing Their Minds | #72
Have you ever ended your workday thinking: “Why does everyone expect their priority to be mine?” “If I just had ONE uninterrupted day to think, everything would be better.” This episode is for leaders who are carrying more than anyone can see. In this video, we talk about the invisible mental…
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The 4 Leadership Lessons That Changed EVERYTHING for Me | #71
These are the four leadership lessons that honestly changed everything for me. If you’ve ever felt unsure in your leadership, struggled with feedback, wished conflict felt less scary, or caught yourself sugarcoating things you know you need to say… you’re not alone. I learned all of these the…
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The Kind of Gratitude That Actually Changes Your Workplace | #70
Most leaders mean well when they say “Thank you for all that you do”… but your team can tell when the gratitude is generic, seasonal, or performative. In this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, we’re breaking down the kind of gratitude that actually builds culture, increases engagement,...
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If You Have A Difficult Employee....Use THIS Strategy! | #69
If you’ve ever thought, “I have a difficult employee,” this episode will change how you see it forever. What if that person isn’t actually the problem — what if your culture and communication systems are?In this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, Kara shares a refreshing strategy for...
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Yes, Being A Leader IS Unfair! | The Trap You Might Be In & How To Fix It | #68
Leadership, ownership, accountability, leadership mindset, leadership mistakes, self-preservation, how to take responsibility as a leader, blame-shifting in leadership, leadership growthWhen something goes wrong on your team, do you find yourself saying, “I wasn’t there,” or “That wasn’t my...
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What to Do With Your Team’s Bad Ideas...|#67
Struggling to handle your team’s ‘bad’ ideas without crushing morale? Here’s a simple 3-step approach that keeps them engaged, heard, and motivated—even when you have to say no. Get my best leadership tip sent directly to your email each week: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter Transform your...
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If My Employees Weren’t Getting Along, I’d Do THIS… | #66
If you’ve ever wondered how to handle workplace conflict, lead through team conflict, or stop workplace drama before it spreads, this episode is for you. Kara shares exactly what she’d do if her employees weren’t getting along—and how you can use these same conflict resolution strategies for...
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Meetings Are Wasting Your Time: 4 Ways to Instantly Fix Them | #65
If you’ve ever thought, “This meeting could have been an email,” you’re not alone. The average company spends up to 15% of its personnel budget on meetings — and most of that time isn’t spent well. In this episode, leadership coach Kara List shares how to take back control of your calendar and…
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The Cruelest Mistake Leaders Make (and How to Avoid It) | #64
In this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, Kara List breaks down why silence is one of the cruelest leadership mistakes you can make—and how to replace avoidance with clarity, kindness, and impact. You’ll learn:-Why avoiding feedback creates fear, low performance, and turnover -How high...
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How to Deliver Bad News at Work (Without It Blowing Up Into a Mess) | #63
Struggling to deliver bad news at work without creating chaos? Learn how clarity and empathy can help you lead tough conversations that build trust instead of confusion. Delivering bad news at work is one of the hardest parts of leadership. Most leaders don’t fail because of what they say, but…
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Leadership, Burnout, and Doing It All: Advice for Working Moms | #62
Feeling exhausted from trying to do it all? In this episode, I share why hustle culture is stealing your joy and how to break free from burnout as a leader, working mom, or busy professional. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by endless to-do lists, team responsibilities, or family demands, this...
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The 5 Sayings That Will Determine Your Impact as a Leader | #61
Your words matter more than your title. In this video, Kara List, leadership coach and host of The Better Conversations Podcast, shares the 5 sayings that will determine your impact as a leader. Whether you lead a small team or an entire organization, these signature phrases you repeat shape your...
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How To Respond To "That's Not My Job!" | #60
When an employee refuses to help a coworker and says, “That’s not my job,” it can trigger frustration, self-doubt, or even anger. In this episode, I’ll show you how to respond—not with ego or avoidance, but with confident, clear leadership. You’ll learn the exact words to say and how to shift the...
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Beating Conversation Burnout: 4 Tips That Will Save Your Sanity (And Time) As A Leader | #59
Feeling drained from nonstop conversations, endless meetings, and constant team needs? You're not alone. In this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, Kara shares 4 practical tips to beat leadership burnout and protect your energy—without disconnecting from your team. Learn how to recover...
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You’re Not Awkward, You Just Need Help With Workplace Small Talk | #58
Awkward at work? You're not alone. In this video, learn how to master small talk at work, build trust, and connect with your team using my “2-Minute Talks” method. Whether you’re an introvert, new manager, or just tired of surface-level chats, these leadership communication tips will help you…
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The 3-Step Secret to Making Hard Conversations Easy
Struggling to give honest feedback without feeling awkward, anxious, or overly emotional? You're not alone—and you're not a bad leader for dreading it. In this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, Kara List shares her proven 3-step framework that makes hard conversations at work feel more...
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I Have An Exciting Announcement...
After a year of connecting with so many of you, one truth stands out: culture is built in the everyday conversations we have at work. And if we want a better culture, we need better conversations. In this short episode, I’m sharing why I’m making a big change, what’s coming next, and how this...
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5 Surprising Truths About Giving Feedback (That Make It Way Easier) | #56
For years, I struggled with giving honest feedback. I thought I had to be perfect, have all the answers, or sugarcoat what needed to be said. But what I’ve learned is that mindset beats method. And these 5 truths? They make feedback so much easier—and far more effective.✅ Why the goal of feedback...
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Why You're A More Qualified Leader Than You Think | #55
Feeling like you’re not qualified to lead? Struggling with imposter syndrome as a new or growing leader? In this video, leadership coach Kara List shares the truth about what makes someone truly qualified—and it’s probably not what you think. Whether you're managing a team, running a project, or...
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Want a High-Performing Team? Stop Doing These 4 Things | #54
Even if you love your team, you might be asking yourself, “Is this as good as it gets?” Or maybe you feel stuck with the “B team.” Here’s a hard truth: if your team isn’t performing like you want, it might not be their fault. It might actually be yours—not because you’re a bad leader, but because...
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How Busy Leaders Are Building a Positive Workplace Culture in 2025 | #53
Want to improve your workplace culture and boost team morale in 2025? In this episode of The Culture Keepers Podcast, leadership coach Kara List shares 7 practical strategies to build a positive, high-performing team culture—even if your team feels disengaged or burned out. Whether you're a new...
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How To Address Missed Deadlines (Without Crushing Your Employee) | #52
Today, we’re tackling one of leadership's hardest and most important moments: what to do when someone on your team drops the ball. You’ll learn a 4-step framework to handle missed goals with compassion and clarity—without shaming your team or lowering your standards. We’ll talk about the…
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The Power of Catching People Doing Things Right! | #51
Want to build a stronger, more motivated team? Most leaders default to vague praise like “good job”—but that’s not enough. In this episode, leadership coach Kara List shares 3 practical coaching strategies that will completely shift how your team hears feedback and responds. You’ll learn how to...
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How To Successfully Give Feedback To Defensive People | #50
Your employee just got defensive—now what? In this episode, you'll learn exactly what to say and do when a team member shuts down, pushes back, or gets emotional during feedback conversations.If you've ever struggled with employees who take feedback personally or derail productive conversations,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Better Conversations Podcast, where each week I help you unlock the people side of scaling a business.— the conversations, culture, and leadership skills founders need to build teams that thrive with them and while they are on vacation. I’m Kara List, your host and fellow founder, let’s get into it!
HOSTED BY
Kara List
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Better Conversations Podcast have?
The Better Conversations Podcast currently has 99 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Better Conversations Podcast about?
Welcome to The Better Conversations Podcast, where each week I help you unlock the people side of scaling a business.— the conversations, culture, and leadership skills founders need to build teams that thrive with them and while they are on vacation. I’m Kara List, your host and fellow founder,...
How often does The Better Conversations Podcast release new episodes?
The Better Conversations Podcast has 99 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Better Conversations Podcast?
You can listen to The Better Conversations Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Better Conversations Podcast?
The Better Conversations Podcast is created and hosted by Kara List.
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